New High Sheriff of Rutland arrives to the sound of the Foo Fighters at Oakham Castle

A sheriff has represented the king or queen in Rutland since the 12th Century - so the choice of a Foo Fighters song to announce the latest appointment was an unconventional twist.

Richard Cole, High Sheriff of Rutland during the covid lockdown, was reappointed at an otherwise highly traditional ceremony in Oakham Castle yesterday (Thursday, April 11).

Outgoing high sheriff Geraldine Feehally handed over duties to Mr Cole in the presence of Justice of the Peace and chairman of Rutland County Council Andrew Brown, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness, and a host of other dignitaries.

But after promises to serve fairly were made by Mr Cole and his deputy, Kate Blank, and a closing prayer was read by the Rev Canon Rachel Watts, Richard chose to end the ceremony with Times Like These, a song by American rock band Foo Fighters.

It was sung beautifully by Hattie Bryan, and was followed by everyone joining in the first verse of the National Anthem.

Mr Cole explained that the lyrics of Times Like These resonated when society was so disconnected during covid, and that he had asked Hattie in 2020 to record an acoustic version, which was shared on YouTube with Rutlanders isolated in their homes.

“The lyrics tell us to learn to love again, and love is doing something good to other people,” he said.

“In Rutland we have many unsung heroes who do give and give again.

“A key part of my role as high sheriff is to thank all those volunteers and to shine a light on their good work and dedication to others, so the song fits very really well.”

Mr Cole also noted that guidance from the High Sheriffs’ Association says ‘do it your own way’ although he admitted to those gathered in the castle: “I'm really not sure what that means - hopefully I will be able to tell you next year.

“Some high sheriffs have a theme or a focus,” he added.

“I will not. I’ve been a generalist all my life so I want to embrace everyone across our county who does good.”

His predecessor had recommended ‘doing the job with a smile’.

“And I will,” Mr Cole said, before concluding that he hoped to make his family and the people of Rutland proud.

Welcoming Mr Cole back as high sheriff, the Under Sheriff of Rutland Mrs Blank recounted how Mr Cole was first appointed in April 2000, just as measures to prevent the spread of covid came into force.

“There were six of us, in the pouring rain, conducting the ceremony in the car park,” she said.

As a result of the ongoing lockdown, Mr Cole was unable to carry out many of the high sheriff’s typical duties, including working with school children to raise their awareness of the police and courts system.

Mrs Blank explained the history: of there being a Sheriff of Rutland, and more recently a High Sheriff, and pointed out that past holders of the position had dealt with a community facing the Black Death in the 17th Century, and the smallpox epidemic of the 18th Century.

Mr Cole is the first High Sheriff of Rutland to hold the position twice since Ezekiel Johnson in 1676.

Dr Furness then spoke about the community focus of King Charles III, and how Mrs Feelhally embraced similar aims by helping to create a database of voluntary organisations that operate in Rutland.

She thanked Mrs Feelhally and also paid tribute to Bart Hellyer, High Sheriff in 2012 and a Vice Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. Mr Hellyer died last Saturday.

During the ceremony, the position of High Sheriff of Rutland Cadet passed from Izzy hand to Ellie Moore. Police cadet Ellie will get to attend many more events in the coming year, alongside the high sheriff.

Mr Cole, originally from West Yorkshire, moved to Leicestershire in 1981 and worked for multinational companies.

He moved to Rutland in 1989 and lives in Uppingham with his wife, Pat, and two children, Emma and Tom.

He has been a church warden in his home town for 12 years and was appointed a deputy lieutenant of the county last year.

Mr Cole feels that the position of High Sheriff of Rutland is open to everyone, and that it is not an exclusive post, but something anyone could work towards.

His ‘court dress’ including steel-buttoned velvet jacket, waistcoat and lace collar were bought second hand from a former high sheriff, and the ceremonial sword was a recent addition - purchased by former high sheriff Coun Brown.

The selection of a new high sheriff is made by the sovereign using a silver bodkin to prick a hole through a scroll against the appointed name.

Currently there are 55 high sheriffs serving counties of England and Wales.